Metro train using carbon fiber material makes debut

The world's first metro train constructed using carbon fiber material made its debut on Line 1 in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Friday, heralding a more environmentally friendly future for subway systems.

Developed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang and Qingdao Metro, the metro train, dubbed CETROVO 1.0, offers advantages such as weight reduction and energy efficiency.

"By employing carbon fiber composite materials, the train achieves an impressive 11 percent weight reduction compared to traditional metal trains, leading to enhanced energy efficiency with a 7 percent decrease in operational energy consumption," said Liu Jinzhu, a senior designer at CRRC Qingdao Sifang.

This reduction equates to an annual decrease of around 130 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, Liu said.

The lighter weight of the CETROVO 1.0 results in reduced wear on wheels and tracks, lowering demand for maintenance.

The metro train also incorporates advanced digital twin technology through an intelligent operation platform.

The smart system enables intelligent fault detection, health status assessment and optimization of maintenance schedules, reducing maintenance costs. The adoption of new materials and technologies is expected to lower the train's total life-cycle maintenance expenses by 22 percent.

In addition, passengers can enjoy a more comfortable ride due to the superior vibration and noise isolation effects of the carbon fiber composite materials, said Liu.

The exterior design of the carbon fiber train is based on charcoal black, with blue and yellow lines symbolizing the waves and sunlight, showcasing the coastal features of Qingdao.

"The seats are more comfortable. It is also less noisy than other subways. I won't feel cold when holding the uprights," said Jia Xiaobei, a passenger.

Line 1 serves as a crucial route in Qingdao's urban rail transit network, spanning 60 kilometers and featuring 41 stations. With a daily passenger volume exceeding 400,000, Line 1 is a vital transportation artery for the city. Currently, the CETROVO 1.0 train operates on a section of the line and will progressively extend its service to the entire route.